Our BBL players of the week – week 21
Purely based on what we saw go down, our BBL team of the week for week 21.
Keith Firmin attended Leicester Riders v Glasgow Rocks
Ayron Hardy (Leicester Riders) – It takes a special kind of player to receive a vote into the UKASF Team of the Week having been on the losing side in his last game but the Leicester Riders Ayron Hardy is just that guy. He went about business in his normal under the radar way to rack up a 13/14/10 against the visiting Glasgow Rocks. And while it wasn’t quite enough to get his team their 13th league win of the season, it was more than enough to get my vote to make the starting five in our players of the week.
Sarah Shannon attended Durham Wildcats v Worcester Wolves
Tommy Freeman (Worcester Wolves) – After an impressive performance from all the Worcester team in the second half of the game a lot of players were in the fold, but shooting guard Tommy Freeman again stepped up to the plate to lead the offensive line for the Wolves. Scoring 29 points and not missing a single free throw the American has certainly found a home in the BBL and at the Worcester Wolves.
Rob Jeffries attended Cheshire Jets v Newcastle Eagles
Andrew Thomson (Newcastle Eagles) – Without doubt, one of the best opening ten minutes from a player I’ve seen for a good long time. Possibly helped by bad defence, but that’s not to take away anything from the guy. His shooting was nailed on. 11/13 FG attempts, 7/8 of which were 3-pointers. Moment of the game was when he missed the one he did!
Bill Cole (Cheshire Jets) – Bill is for me going to be tough to beat for MVP of the year for this Jets team. He goes about his job very quietly on court, and I think the refreshing thing is watching him play, knowing he is putting in the work, but not fully appreciating it until you read his stats afterwards and having a good silent nod to the guy!
Dave Bell attended Sheffield Sharks v MKilton Keynes Lions
Jimmy Langhurst (Sheffield Sharks) – Is there a better shooter in the BBL? Well yes there are many fine ones but surely Langhurst rates up there. Once the eye is in, then the boy from Willard, Ohio is unstoppable. Looks to have formed an immediate bond with Ryan Patton and is revelling in the Shooting Guard role. Also, he is now hurting teams in the paint, which shows his game is developing. With just three misses from the line all season, there is no-one else you want on a free throw. You might have guessed I love watching this guy!
And even though he just misses out on our starting five an honourable mention for Demarius Bolds (Milton Keynes Lions) from Dave Bell – The complete player in the BBL but with a total maverick streak. Bolds tore the Sharks apart at will with an outstanding first half display. The second half provided a complete contrast. An attack of the sulks following foul trouble and Demarius ended up sitting on the bench; the last place where the Lions need him. A maverick, but we all love a maverick don’t we?!!
